This hearty beef stew is packed with tender meat, colorful veggies, and delicious dumplings, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
The best part? You can toss everything in and let it do its thing while you relax. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone flipping out with hunger! 😋
I love serving this stew on chilly nights. Just a bowl of this warm goodness makes everything better. Plus, who can resist a fluffy dumpling on top? Pure happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, try using a different cut like brisket or round roast, though the texture may differ slightly.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add sweetness and texture. Feel free to add potatoes or parsnips for extra heartiness! They will cook well in the slow cooker too.
Red Wine: I recommend red wine for depth of flavor, but if you prefer not to use it, just replace it with beef broth for a lighter taste.
Dumplings: Traditional dumplings are made with all-purpose flour, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Just be aware the texture may be denser.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. It works perfectly in the dumplings!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender?
The key to tender beef in a stew is cooking low and slow. This lets the connective tissues break down, making the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender. If you’re short on time, you can increase the heat, but be aware that the texture might not be as tender.
- Brown the beef in batches. This seals in the juices and adds flavor.
- Use plenty of beef broth and some wine for richness, keeping the stew juicy.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Resist the urge to open the lid too often!
How Can I Make Fluffy Dumplings?
Making fluffy dumplings is all about gentle mixing. Overmixing will lead to tough dumplings! Follow these simple steps:
- Combine dry ingredients first, then stir in wet ingredients until just mixed.
- When adding dumplings to the stew, drop them gently on top instead of stirring them in. This allows them to steam and rise without getting broken up.
- Keep the lid on when cooking the dumplings to trap steam, promoting fluffiness.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a delicious, comforting beef stew with remarkably fluffy dumplings. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-2 inch chunks
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute with more beef broth)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Dumplings:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a long cooking time of 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for the beef stew. A little before serving, you’ll add the dumplings, which take an additional 30-40 minutes. So, plan on about 8 hours total from start to finish for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Season the beef chunks generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Brown the beef chunks in batches until all sides are nicely seared, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables and Aromatics:
To the slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves for extra flavor.
3. Add Liquids and Cook:
Pour the beef broth and red wine over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything. Then, cover the cooker and let it work its magic on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
4. Thicken the Stew:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the flour with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the stew to help thicken it. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
5. Make the Dumplings:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, stir in the buttermilk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you’re adding fresh parsley, fold it in gently.
6. Add Dumplings to Stew:
Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the stew. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through. The steam will make them light and fluffy!
7. Serve:
Ladle the stew with dumplings into bowls, and if you like, garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your hearty, warm Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Dumplings, perfect for cozy evenings!
This recipe creates tender, flavorful beef and veggies in a rich broth, topped with light, fluffy herbed dumplings—a true comfort food classic!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Always cut the beef into chunks before browning for the best texture.
Can I Make This Stew Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can simply add an extra cup of beef broth instead. This will still provide a rich flavor without the alcohol. You can also add a splash of vinegar for a little acidity to balance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Be aware that dumplings can become a bit dense when reheated.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like potatoes, peas, or green beans to enhance the stew. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Add them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.